Financial Services (CFTC) Lawyer

Job Overview:
An esteemed law firm is seeking a seasoned Senior Associate or Counsel to join its Financial Services practice, with a primary focus on CFTC and commodities/derivatives matters. This position is ideal for candidates with significant experience in commodities regulation, derivatives trading, and legal advisory for financial and energy sector clients. The role offers exposure to high-profile transactions and regulatory matters across a collaborative, globally-integrated legal team.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

• Provide legal counsel on compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations

• Advise on commodities, swaps, and derivatives transactions and documentation

• Support clients acting as dealers, traders, and end users in financial and energy sectors

• Draft and negotiate regulatory documentation for trading and compliance

• Handle regulatory enforcement matters, particularly with CFTC and FERC (if applicable)

• Collaborate with a market-leading legal team on complex cross-border and domestic matters

Requirements:

• 5–10 years of legal experience focused on financial services regulation

• Deep understanding of CFTC regulatory framework and market rules

• Demonstrated experience advising financial and/or energy sector clients

• Ability to manage complex legal issues and client expectations

• Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

Skills:

• Expertise in the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations

• Experience with swaps and derivatives documentation

• Familiarity with FERC regulation in energy and power markets (preferred)

• Ability to operate within high-performing, collaborative legal teams

• Strong problem-solving and client-facing skills

Benefits:

• Bonus opportunities based on firm and individual performance

• Comprehensive benefits including:

  • Three medical plan options, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

  • 401(k) savings and profit-sharing plans (if eligible)

  • Fertility and family-forming benefits

• Paid Time Off:

  • Minimum of 20 days PTO based on tenure

  • 14 weeks of paid parental leave

  • 11 firm holidays annually

• Wellness & Inclusion:

  • $2,500 vacation stipend for meeting billable thresholds

  • Free Peloton app membership

  • Lyra mental health support (8 free sessions)

  • Spot Pet Insurance

• Professional Development:

  • Executive coaching for lawyers with 250+ BD hours

  • Reimbursement for business development activities

• Community Engagement:

  • 8 hours annually of firm time for pro bono or community service

• Incentives:

  • $50,000 referral bonus for legal talent hires